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ISL: Clash of underperformers as Delhi Dynamos look to make amends vs Pune
The Dynamos have had a lacklustre start to their campaign this season with just one win and three draws thus far.
It will be a clash of two underperforming sides when sixth-placed Delhi Dynamos take on seventh-placed FC Pune City in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.
The Dynamos have had a lacklustre start to their campaign this season with just one win and three draws thus far. However, with seven goals from five games, they are the joint top-scorers, and manager Gianluca Zambrotta was all praise for his team’s attacking prowess. “The strikers have performed well so far and we are looking to straighten our defence before the match against FC Pune City,” he said.
The Dynamos came close to winning their last match against Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) but a missed penalty by Marcelo and a late winner from Iain Hume clinched the game in ATK’s favour.“Football can be cruel sometimes, but we have taken a lot of positives from the last game,” he added.
Pune’s striking woes
It has also been a tough season for Pune as they have managed to win only one of their five matches. The main reason behind their poor form has been the lack of scoring opportunities by their strikers. As a result, Pune have managed to score just four goals in the tournament. However, manager Jose Antonio Habas remained hopeful of an improved showing.
“We have a new team this season and it took them a bit of time to adjust as a team. But they have shown great improvement and I am sure they will be looking to get back to winning ways.”
Talking about the team’s scoring woes, Habas said, “We have a good striking line up and if we can create good chances against Delhi, scoring goals will not be a problem.”
Pune will be missing the services of Spanish midfielder Pitu and Argentine striker Gustavo Oberman as the duo was ruled out due to injury. They will also be without Indian playmaker Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who is busy preparing for the AFC Cup final with Bengaluru FC.
